Miles Stapleton of Bedale facts for kids
Sir Miles Stapleton of Bedale (born around 1320, died 1364) was a brave English knight. He was one of the first members of a very special group called the Order of the Garter. This order was created by King Edward III of England.
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A Knight's Life and Adventures
Sir Miles was the oldest son of Sir Gilbert de Stapleton. His mother was Matilda, whose father was Brian FitzAlan, a lord from Bedale. Sir Miles grew up to be a skilled fighter and a loyal knight.
He was very young when his father passed away. But that didn't stop him from joining important battles. He fought in the Siege of Tournai (1340) and later in Brittany during the War of Breton Succession. He was also likely at the Siege of Calais in 1347.
Joining the Order of the Garter
After these battles, Sir Miles showed his skills in three big tournaments. These events happened between 1347 and 1348. Because of his bravery and talent, he was chosen for a great honor. In 1348, he became one of the first knights to join the Order of the Garter. This was a very important group of knights chosen by the King himself.
Serving the King Abroad
Sir Miles continued to serve his country. In 1351, he traveled abroad with another knight, William Latimer. In 1354, he was part of a group sent to meet with Pope Innocent VI. They asked the Pope to help end the war between England and France.
He also joined Henry Lancaster on a military raid in France in 1356. Sir Miles was a trusted messenger for important people. In 1361, he received a special payment from the government. This was for his "unwearied labours and laudable services," meaning his hard work and excellent service. He might have even been a witness to the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360. This treaty was an attempt to make peace between England and France.
In 1363, Sir Miles was recorded borrowing money in Poland. This suggests he might have been on a crusade there. He passed away in December 1364. Some historians think he might have died from injuries he received in the Battle of Auray, which happened just a few months earlier.
Sir Miles's Family Life
Sir Miles Stapleton was married three times. His first wife gave birth to a son named John, but John died in 1355.
In 1350, Sir Miles married his second wife, Joan. She was the daughter of Oliver de Ingham. Because of this marriage, Sir Miles gained a lot of land and became known as 'of Ingham' as well as 'of Bedale'.
Sir Miles and Joan had a son named Miles, who inherited his father's lands. They also had a daughter named Joan, who married Sir John Plays. The family line continued for a few more generations.
